T.C. Boyle's 2011 novel When the Killing's Done explores the clash between Alma Boyd Takesue, a National Park Service biologist dedicated to eradicating invasive species to save the Channel Islands’ ecosystem, and Dave LaJoy, an animal rights activist who opposes this plan. As Alma works to restore the environment, complex personal and historical narratives emerge, examining environmental ethics and human impact. The book includes discussions of unplanned pregnancy and abortion.

T.C. Boyle's When the Killing's Done is lauded for its vivid prose and compelling narrative, intertwining environmental themes with human drama. Critics appreciate Boyle's ability to evoke the California coast setting and flesh out complex characters. However, some find the plot meandering and the moral ambiguity troubling. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read with environmental consciousness at its core.

A reader who enjoys environmental and ethical dilemmas explored through evocative storytelling would be captivated by T.C. Boyle's When the Killing's Done. This novel appeals to fans of Barbara Kingsolver's Prodigal Summer or Edward Abbey's The Monkey Wrench Gang, with its blend of human conflict and ecological themes.

Channel Islands, California / Contemporary

Suspenseful / Contemplative / Dark / Challenging

- When the Killing's Done explores environmental themes inspired by real-life events in the Channel Islands National Park, addressing the conflict between conservation efforts and animal rights activism.
- T.C. Boyle is known for incorporating historical and ecological research into his novels, and When the Killing's Done draws on actual events and debates about invasive species eradication in California.
- The book's title is derived from a Bob Marley song, emphasizing themes of struggle and resolution within both human and natural worlds.

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